By Tiago Lirman
Damian Lillard, one of the NBA’s top 75 players of all time, has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. In this process, Lillard has specifically asked to be traded to the Miami Heat. With star players such as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Lillard would make this Heat team a force to be reckoned with.
Having been selected to play seven All-Star games, Lillard has shown his unique talent that any team would love to have. His ability to score the ball would make him a valuable asset to a team who needs another scorer other than Jimmy Butler.
Therefore, the Heat’s recent form and their need for another pure scorer has lured Damian Lillard to request a trade from the Blazers. He could be the last piece of the puzzle for Erik Spoelstra’s team in order to conquer the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Due to Damian Lillard’s official trade request to Miami, some players of the Heat would have to get traded to other teams. Adrian Wojnarowski, an NBA insider for ESPN, has said that the Heat would most likely have to give up Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Kyle Lowry, and multiple draft picks in order to acquire Damian Lillard.
However, Joe Cronin (GM for the Trail Blazers) has said that the Blazers would not be willing to complete a two-team trade and look to incorporate a third or fourth team to fulfill Lillard’s request.
Cronin has even stated, “If it takes months, it takes months”, when asked about the current situation regarding Lillard and the Trail Blazers.
Although the Blazers are in a sticky situation, they will eventually have to trade the seven-time All-Star in order to get rid of an unhappy player and acquire positive reinforcements for the future. On the other hand, the Heat look to establish a championship-caliber team NOW and Damian Lillard’s trade request could not have come at a better time for the Heat as they lost Gabe Vincent and Max Strus in free agency.
If this trade does occur, Lillard would fit perfectly in the Miami Heat as he would complete the dynamic trio of Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Also, with Spoelstra’s coaching, Lillard would acquire the infamous “Heat Culture” grit that would make him even better as a player.
Overall, the fit is perfect and Damian Lillard would dramatically increase his chances of winning a ring.